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核四. To build, or not to build, that is the question. World Nuclear Association Charter of Ethics. More like a propaganda chart than a trustworthy code of ethics “Nuclear power is a ‘sustainable development’ technology” “its waste can be securely managed over the long-term”.
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核四 To build, or not to build, that is the question.
WorldNuclear Association Charter of Ethics • More like a propaganda chart than a trustworthy code of ethics • “Nuclear power is a ‘sustainable development’ technology” • “its waste can be securely managed over the long-term”
What do we care about? • Cost • Safety • Environmental concerns • Sustainable development • Alternatives • (How do other countries do it?) • 核四???
Cost of nuclear power • 7.70$/MWh and cheaper than any fossile fuel, according to the World Nuclear Association (reactor maintenance etc. not included) • 30$/MWh and most expensive energy source, according to other sources • Construction of 核四, like many nuclear reactors has been delayed many times and costs a multiple of the initially planned funds
Safety Aspects • Nuclear power is obviously dangerous • Other energy sources are also dangerous but not as disastrous (coal miner is one of the most dangerous job descriptions) • Scandals about 台電 trying to save material while building safety precautions in 核四 • Scandals happens in all kinds of construction environments but should it happen when it comes to nuclear power? • Can it be avoided? • How safe can we feel? • If we cannot feel save, is it ethically justifiable to build nuclear reactors at all?
Environmental concerns • In the lake next to核二, abnormalities have been observed in skeletons of some fish • Danger of mutation? • Studies show that population near certain nuclear power plants have higher cancer rates • Danger of cancer! • After the accidents in Chernobyl and Japan, many people have been committed to the hospital • Danger of radiation poisoning!
Sustainable Development • Increases independency since nuclear fuel only needs to be bought once every 1 or 2 years • Nuclear fuel is more abundant than other fossil fuels • But no solution to nuclear waste disposal • Mostly stored inside the power plant’s facilities • Sometimes shipped to an off-site facility, often with great environmental repercussions • Generation Problem – Let our children find a way out
Alternatives • If we do not use nuclear energy, what else can we use? • Pros and cons of other types of energy • Fossile fuels • 太陽能 • 風能 • 水力能 • 地熱能 • 生質能 • 海洋能